Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Car owner - December 5 - 8:17 am

  We purchased the vehicle new 4 years ago. We had not had any problems until recently when the car started to stall upon ignition. The transmission light came on and the problems have now begun. We have 146,000 miles on the SUV and really expected to get more before any major problems. Per conversation with Ford service department and an independent transmission company, the prognosis is the torque converter and TCC solenoid (valve body). The cost to repair is $2700 to $6500 before taxes. It is amazing after reading so many reviews that the same problem is evident in the majority of the reviews from those with 70,000 miles or more. We had a Ford car with similar problems before. No more Ford

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  Bad transmission - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Mark - December 3 - 2:23 pm

  So, bought one of these gently used from a friend, despite negative reviews. He had only put 68k miles on it after buying it new, and it was well maintained and clean. 2 months later, replaced the o2 sensor, and the transmission just went out. My wife loves the Escape, but the stories about the transmission are absolutely true.

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  My Ford - 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage
  By jerry - December 1 - 1:16 pm

  I was delighted to have purchased a new F150. Shortly after that things started to happen. The computer went, as did the gas consumption. The battery was replaced after a couple tows. side panels between the doors came unglued, handling was boaty.The A/C was unacceptable; wouldnt cool the cab on hot days. I was disappointed with the power when pulling a trailer with the trailer loaded. Overall I had the truck back to the dealership 9 times within 12 months, for some major complaints. The dealership was very responsive, but the problems were not theirs. I have been a 150 fan for many years, not any more.

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  Blown Spark Plugs! - 2000 Ford Expedition
  By Tommy Shaw - November 30 - 10:04 pm

  Thats all I have to say! Blown Spark plugs! Run! Run! Run Away! Will cost $500 min each plug to fix! This is a major problem! They blow up and out of the hole because theres only 4 little aluminum threads holding them in. Then they hit the fuel rail rupturing it and wah lah your car is a BBQ! Ford ignores. Says nothings wrong. Great quality!

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  Transmission Troubles - 1994 Ford Taurus
  By Boo Taurus - November 27 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 when it had 90,000 miles. Within 4 months the transmission went out. Had to have it rebuilt. 30,000 miles later the transmission has failed again. (Yes, I only put 30k miles on it in 9 years.) Im not having it fixed this time. Let the junk man have it. Im buying a Toyota!!!!

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  Lemon in the Making - 2009 Ford Flex
  By Jim Stewart - November 25 - 2:51 pm

  I have the brake grinding noise and Ford has no solution. If you live where there is humdity, water or salt in the air, you will have the problem. Ford and the Dealership(Kelly Ford) in Melbourne, Florida have no solution. I am working on the lemon law process, do not buy this car. Besides the noise, the stopping distance is affected. Also, if you go to look at one, lean on the door and watch the metal bend, very cheaply made!

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  A recalll that needs to happen - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bub Cooper - November 24 - 6:33 am

  I have only owned this 4x4 a short time but very dissatisfied. When putting in 4x4 I hear a growling and clunking. After reading many reviews they still have problems with auto hubs, relays and 4x4 motor on transfer case. The truck is very uncomfotable to drive but has alot of power with the V6 engine. This truvk is a 94 and you would think Ford would have fixed the problems with the 4x4 by now. By the way it burns a court of oil every two fill ups but doesnt leak a drop. Im selling this piece of sh.t

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  Stay away from these cars - 2001 Ford Focus
  By Nathan M. - November 23 - 4:43 pm

  This car was purchased used from a private seller in early 2009 to be used as a commuter vehicle in Canada. The car passed a licenced (3rd party) inspection when I bought it, but has since required ~$3,000 in repairs in the nine months that I have been driving it - about the same amount I spent buying the wretched thing. So far the front shocks & struts have had to be replaced twice (the first OEM replacement parts broke less than a month after being replaced by a licensed shop), the front brake pads, rotors, & calipers, the rear brake cylinders, the heater core, and the OEM 6-CD stereo. Needless to say, I wont be buying another Ford in the foreseeable future.

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  BAD TRANSMISSION - 2004 Ford Freestar
  By Tina - November 22 - 3:55 pm

  My transmission went out at 50,000 miles without any warning. I was nearly hit as there was no shoulder to pull over to. I was accelerating around a corner then absoultely nothing. Without proof of transmission service at exactly no more than 30999 miles warrantee is void. NO transmission should go out at 50000 miles, yet Ford is not recalling this problem. Shame on you Ford. Never again.

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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By alebt - November 19 - 11:00 am

  This is our second Explorer and unless we get one for free, our last. The transmission went out at 35,000. The 4WD computer failed at 40,000. The bearings are bad at 45,000. The back hatch has cracked. It has been a miserable money pit. Had we had much other choice in small V8 we would have selected differently. Ford needs to really upgrade quality and reliability in this model.